The Southeastern Fly Fishing Festival

The event is sponsored by the Southeastern Council of the International Federation of Fly Fishers and includes programs, presenters and exhibitors.

The festival is expected to attract at least 40 local fly shops, nonprofits and other exhibitors as well as 40 demonstration tiers from throughout the Southeast. Steve Rajeff and Leslie Holmes will headline the casting instructors, and the federation will offer casting instructor certification tests.

On May 16h, the Southeastern Council will partner with Little River TU to host the Back the Brookie BBQ. All profits will support the restoration of brook trout in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On May 17, the council will host its annual awards dinner and auction.

Those attending will also have the opportunity to support the establishment of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians by donating exhibition items or financial support. The museum is to be located in Cherokee.

The festival runs 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. both May 16 and 17. Admission is $5 for adults and $10 for families. Scouts in uniform and disabled veterans are admitted free. Online registration will open online at www.southeastfff.org in mid-March.